College Admissions: 10 Hot Majors Where Students Can Save Big Money

Monday, January 16, 2012

Programs at UMASS Amherst and UVM can take you overseas, and for less.

As a New England resident, if you don’t know about the New England Board of Higher Education Regional Student Program, you should. Quite simply, it is the most generous and least utilized college funding program available to students in the Northeast.

Since 1957, this program has allowed residents from one state to attend another New England public university at a deep discount, if they study a major not offered in their home state. There are no restrictions on income, and since it is a discount (not a loan, scholarship or grant), it won’t diminish your aid package. The average discount is $7,000 per year, but Rhode Islanders can save more than $11,000 a year at UCONN, almost $10,000 a year at UVM, and over $13,000 a year at Mass Maritime.

To qualify, a student completes the college’s application for admission and declares an approved major offered through the RSP by that college. Approved majors for Rhode Islanders can be found here. Some college applications include a box to check for “New England Regional” or “RSP.” Otherwise, a student should indicate that they are applying for Regional Student Program (RSP) status in the Common App supplement or by sending a letter to the admissions office. Students already enrolled in a participating institution may also qualify by contacting the registrar’s office at their school. Here are some of the exciting options on other New England campuses for Rhode Island residents:

1. More companies have openings in accounting that any other field right now. So, the Actuarial Science major at UCONN is a great option for students who like math and business.

2. If your head is more in the clouds, how about studying Meteorology at Plymouth State in the White Mountains of New Hampshire?

3. Chinese is in demand in business, engineering and hospitality. At UMASS Amherst you can study Chinese and take advantage of their great study abroad opportunities.

4. According to the Department of Labor, more jobs will be created in healthcare in the next 10 years, than in any other field. Worcester State offers an Occupational Therapy major that helps disabled veterans and others lead productive lives by making everyday tasks easier.

5. Bioengineering is hot, hot, hot. And U. Maine’s primary campus in Orono has an innovative program that RI residents can take advantage of.

6. Students who are strong in art and math may want to explore the BFA in Architectural Design at the Massachusetts College of Art & Design.

7. If going green is your thing, then why not major in Sustainable Product Design and Innovation at Keene State in New Hampshire.

8. Russia is playing an increasing role in globalization, and at UVM, you can study Russian in the beautiful city of Burlington, Vermont or abroad at one of their affiliated campuses in Russia.

9. Supply chain and logistics are hot areas within business today. The Massachusetts Maritime Academy offers a degree in International Business and Logistics at its seaside campus.

10. Genetics is a fascinating field within the exploding healthcare industry, and UNH has a major that RI residents can take part in.

Cristiana Quinn, M.Ed. is the founder of College Admission Advisors, LLC which provides strategic, individual counseling for college-bound students. www.collegeadvisorsonline.com

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College Admissions: 10 Hot Majors Where Students Can Save Big Money

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